O’Brien wins amendment to state budget for ‘Smart911’

LANSING, Mich. — State Senator Margaret O’Brien said Wednesday that her amendment to the general government budget securing funding for a Smart911 system in Michigan was approved by the Senate.

“Smart911 ensures first responders are able to better protect our communities,” said O’Brien, R-Portage. “The resources Smart911 offers allow Michigan residents to share information about their home and loved ones that they believe first responders need to know.”

According to the service, Smart911 allows residents to provide additional information that 9-1-1 operators may need in order to assist during an emergency. When an emergency call is made from a phone registered with a Smart911 Safety Profile, the 9-1-1 system recognizes the phone number and automatically displays the supplied profile for the operator.

Profile information is provided by the registered user and can include information about family members, pets and vulnerable household members. Businesses also can provide information including building floor plans and access codes. The emergency operator shares this information with the appropriate first responders.

O’Brien said in the aftermath of the recent shooting spree in Kalamazoo County, she met with a number of area residents who had concerns with safety. The appropriation in O’Brien’s amendment complements an emergency alert bill currently in the House of Representatives.

“I will keep working on this issue as the budget goes through the entire process,” O’Brien said. “Safety is a top priority.”